Filipino-American Cheesa Laureta delivered powerful performances every week on reality singing competition The Voice US, but her stay on the show ended on April 25 after her coach, Cee Lo Green, eliminated her and chose rocker Juliet Simms to move on to the next round.
As part of Cee Lo's top four, Cheesa sang a brilliant rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" on April 24 in an effort to win America's vote and her coach's favor. Her performance earned her a standing ovation from Cee Lo as well as pop superstar Christina Aguilera.
In an interview with ABS-CBNNews.com after the episode, Cheesa said of the coaches' reactions, "It felt great. I've been trying so hard not to please but just to find my place here. Tonight was it for me."
She also dedicated her The Voice journey to her aunt in Cebu who raised her. "This is for my Nanay Insi. Mahal kita. I miss you a lot. My Bisaya is really bad tonight. I can't think of the words, but I love you. I miss all of you so much. This is for you."
Cheesa's performance saved her from instant elimination that night, but after ending in her team's bottom two with Juliet on the 25th, her rendition of of Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone" was not enough to get her through to the next round.
In a tweet on her official Twitter account, @cheesyfbaby, Cheesa thanked her coach and showed her support for her remaining two teammates, Juliet Simms and Jamar Rogers. "FOREVER BONDED IN RED!!! Thank you @CeeLoGreen for everything! #redzone Slay finals @JSquidward @JulietSimmsALL!!! Rep the crew!"
Did you miss Cheesa's performance on The Voice? Check out her rendition of "I Have Nothing" below!
(Screencap via YouTube)